Cranberry Orange Chicken is a delightful and colorful dish that perfectly balances the tangy sweetness of cranberries and orange with tender chicken breasts, creating a tasty and festive meal for any occasion.
Author:nadia
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Baking, Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
UnitsScale
Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Sauce:
1cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2cup orange juice
1/4cup honey or maple syrup
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1 teaspoon orange zest
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat and Season: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from heat.
Prepare Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together cranberries, orange juice, honey (or maple syrup), balsamic vinegar, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Pour the mixture over the chicken in the skillet.
Bake: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Thicken Sauce: If a thicker sauce is desired, transfer the chicken to a plate, place the skillet back on the stove, and stir in the cornstarch slurry. Simmer until thickened, then spoon over the chicken.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
This dish pairs beautifully with wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
For a bolder citrus flavor, add extra orange zest or a splash of orange liqueur.